Support Stands

ABSTRACT

Support stands are described. An example embodiment of a support stand is moveable between a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration. The support stand has a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall has a first wall first height. Each of the second wall and third wall is moveably attached to the first wall. Each of the second wall and the third wall has a first height that is less than the first wall first height and a second height that is greater than the first wall first height. The third wall is releasably attachable to the second wall. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform for supporting the position of an element that is placed on the support stand.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/552,484, filed on Aug. 31, 2017. The entire contents of this relatedapplication are hereby incorporated into this disclosure by reference.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to the field of stands. Moreparticularly, the disclosure relates to support stands.

BACKGROUND

When using a personal computing device, such as a laptop or tablet, auser generally places the device flat on a table top or holds it in anupright position. Both options, however, have drawbacks and can impartstrain on the user's body. For example, when placing a laptop on a tabletop, the laptop is generally below a user's eye level and requires theuser to manipulate the position of his or her body to properly use thelaptop and view any information displayed on a screen of the laptop.Alternatively, when a device is being held in an upright position, atleast one of the user's hands is occupied with holding the device makingit difficult to interact with the device. Various stands have beendeveloped that receive electronic devices and position them relative toa user. However, these stands generally have complicated structures thatrequire the assembly of various components before use and fail toprovide adequate positioning of the electronic device relative to theuser. In addition, these stands are bulky and cannot be stored in acompact configuration.

A need exists, therefore, for new and useful support stands.

SUMMARY OF SELECTED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various support stands are described herein.

An example support stand for supporting an element is moveable between afirst, assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration,and a third, folded configuration. The support stand includes a firstwall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wall has a first wallfirst height. The second wall is attached to the first wall and ismoveable relative to the first wall. The second wall has a second wallfirst height and a second wall second height. The second wall firstheight is less than the first wall first height and the second wallsecond height is greater than the first wall first height. The thirdwall is attached to the first wall and is moveable relative to the firstwall. The third wall is releasably attachable to the second wall suchthat the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when thesupport stand is in the first, assembled configuration. The third wallhas a third wall first height and a third wall second height. The thirdwall first height is less than the first wall first height and the thirdwall second height is greater than the first wall first height. Thefirst wall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define aplatform for supporting the position of the element when it is placed onthe support stand.

Another example support stand for supporting an element is moveablebetween a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembledconfiguration, and a third, folded configuration. The support standincludes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wallhas a first wall first height and a first wall length. The second wallis attached to the first wall and is moveable relative to the firstwall. The second wall has a second wall first height, a second wallsecond height, and a second wall length. The second wall first height isless than the first wall first height. The second wall second height isgreater than the first wall first height. The second wall length is lessthan the first wall length such that the second wall can be foldedrelative to the first wall to position the support stand in the third,folded configuration. The third wall is attached to the first wall andis moveable relative to the first wall. The third wall is releasablyattachable to the second wall such that the third wall is releasablyattached to the second wall when the support stand is in the first,assembled configuration. The third wall has a third wall first height, athird wall second height, and a third wall length. The third wall firstheight is less than the first wall first height. The third wall secondheight is greater than the first wall first height. The third walllength is less than the first wall length such that the third wall canbe folded relative to the first wall to position the support stand inthe third, folded configuration. The first wall, the second wall, andthe third wall cooperatively define a platform for supporting theposition of the element when it is placed on the support stand. Thefirst wall, the second wall, and the third wall are formed of a singlecontinuous piece of material.

Another example support stand for supporting an element is moveablebetween a first, assembled configuration, a second, disassembledconfiguration, and a third, folded configuration. The support standincludes a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall. The first wallhas a first wall first height and a first wall length. The first wallfirst height extends along a portion of the first wall length that isgreater than one half of the first wall length. The second wall isattached to the first wall and is moveable relative to the first wall.The second wall has a second wall first height, a second wall secondheight, a second wall length, and defines a slot. The second wall firstheight is less than the first wall first height. The second wall secondheight is greater than the first wall first height. The second walllength is less than the first wall length such that the second wall canbe folded relative to the first wall to position the support stand inthe third, folded configuration. The third wall is attached to the firstwall and is moveable relative to the first wall. The third wall isreleasably attachable to the second wall such that the third wall isreleasably attached to the second wall when the support stand is in thefirst, assembled configuration. The third wall has a third wall firstheight, a third wall second height, a third wall length, and defines aprojection. The projection is sized and configured to be received in theslot such that the third wall is releasably attached to the second wallwhen the support stand is in said first, assembled configuration. Thethird wall first height is less than the first wall first height. Thethird wall second height is greater than the first wall first height.The third wall length is less than the first wall length such that thethird wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position thesupport stand in the third, folded configuration. The first wall, thesecond wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform forsupporting the position of the element when it is placed on the supportstand. The first wall, the second wall, and the third wall are formed ofa single continuous piece of material.

Additional understanding of the example support stands can be obtainedby review of the detailed description, below, and the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example support stand in the first,assembled configuration.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 1 in thesecond, disassembled configuration.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 1 in thesecond, disassembled configuration.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 1 in thethird, folded configuration.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 1 in thethird, folded configuration.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second example support stand in thefirst, assembled configuration.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 6 in thesecond, disassembled configuration.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a third example support stand in thefirst, assembled configuration.

FIG. 9 is a rear view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 8 in thesecond, disassembled configuration.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth example support stand in thefirst, assembled configuration.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the support stand illustrated in FIG. 10 inthe second, disassembled configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description and the appended drawings describeand illustrate various example embodiments of support stands. Thedescription and illustration of these examples are provided to enableone skilled in the art to make and use a support stand. They are notintended to limit the scope of the claims in any manner.

FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate a first example support stand 10. Thesupport stand 10 is moveable between a first, assembled configuration,as shown in FIG. 1, a second, disassembled configuration, as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, and a third, folded configuration, as shown in FIGS. 4and 5. The support stand 10 has a first wall 12, a second wall 14, and athird wall 16.

The first wall 12 has a first wall first end 20, a first wall second end22, a first wall length 23, a first wall third end 24, a first wallfourth end 26, a first wall first height 27, a first wall outer surface28, a first wall inner surface 30, and a first wall thickness 31. Thefirst wall length 23 extends from the first wall first end 20 to thefirst wall second end 22 and is greater than the first wall first height27 and the first wall thickness 31. The first wall first height 27extends from the first wall third end 24 to the first wall fourth end26. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall first height 27 isabout 4.75 inches. The first wall thickness 31 extends from the firstwall outer surface 28 to the first wall inner surface 30.

While the first wall length 23 has been illustrated as being greaterthan the first wall first height 27 and the first wall thickness 31, awall included in a support stand can have any suitable structuralarrangement and selection of a suitable structural arrangement can bebased on various considerations, including the intended use of thesupport stand. Examples of structural arrangements considered suitablefor a wall of a support stand include those in which a wall length isgreater than, less than, or equal to, a wall height, a wall thickness,and any other structural arrangement considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. It is considered advantageous for the first wallfirst height 27 to be greater than, less than, equal to, or about 4.75inches such that an element positioned on the support stand 10, asdescribed in more detail herein, is positioned closer to the eye levelof the user relative to other stands and prevents the user from havingto bend over the element during use, which can improve posture.

The second wall 14 is attached to the first wall 12, is moveablerelative to the first wall 12 when the support stand 10 is in thesecond, disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to thethird wall 16 in the first, assembled configuration. The second wall 14has a second wall first end 34, a second wall second end 36, a secondwall length 37, a second wall third end 38, a second wall fourth end 40,a second wall first height 39, a second wall second height 41, a secondwall outer surface 42, a second wall inner surface 44, a second wallthickness 45, and defines a slot 46.

The second wall length 37 extends from the second wall first end 34 tothe second wall second end 36 and is less than the first wall length 23,greater than the second wall first height 39, greater than the secondwall thickness 45, and less than the second wall second height 41. It isconsidered advantageous for the second wall length 37 to be less thanthe first wall length 23 at least because it provides a mechanism forfolding the second wall 14 relative to the first wall 12 to position thesupport stand 10 in the third, folded configuration. Each of the secondwall first height 39 and the second wall second height 41 extends fromthe second wall third end 38 to the second wall fourth end 40. Thesecond wall first height 39 is disposed at the second wall first end 34and is less than the second wall second height 41 and less than thefirst wall first height 27. The second wall second height 41 is disposedat the second wall second end 36 and is greater than the second wallfirst height 39 and greater than the first wall first height 27. In theillustrated embodiment, the height of the second wall 14 tapers from thesecond wall second end 36 to the second wall first end 34. The secondwall thickness 45 extends from the second wall outer surface 42 to thesecond wall inner surface 44.

In the illustrated embodiment, the slot 46 extends through the secondwall thickness 45 and from the second wall outer surface 42 to thesecond wall inner surface 44. The slot 46 is sized and configured toreceive a portion of the projection 62 defined by the third wall 16, asdescribed in more detail herein.

While the second wall length 37 has been illustrated as being less thanthe first wall length 23, greater than the second wall first height 39,greater than the second wall thickness 45, and less than the second wallsecond height 41, a wall included in a support stand can have anysuitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable structuralarrangement can be based on various considerations, including theintended use of the support stand. Examples of structural arrangementsconsidered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those in whicha wall length is greater than, less than, or equal to, a wall height, awall thickness, and any other structural arrangement considered suitablefor a particular embodiment. For example, a second wall length can begreater than a first wall length in embodiments in which a third wall isdisposed between the first wall and the second wall when the supportstand is in the third, folded configuration. It is consideredadvantageous for the second wall 14 to have a second wall first height39 that is less than the second wall second height 41 and less than thefirst wall first height 27, a second wall second height 41 that isgreater than the second wall first height 39 and greater than the firstwall first height 27, and a second wall height that tapers from thesecond wall second end 36 to the second wall first end 34 to providestructure that is capable of supporting an element on a platform 64, asdescribed in more detail herein, and prevents movement of the elementduring use.

The third wall 16 is attached to the first wall 12, is moveable relativeto the first wall 12 when the support stand 10 is in the second,disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the secondwall 14 in the first, assembled configuration. The third wall 16 has athird wall first end 50, a third wall second end 52, a third wall length53, a third wall third end 54, a third wall fourth end 56, a third wallfirst height 55, a third wall second height 57, a third wall outersurface 58, a third wall inner surface 60, a third wall thickness 61,and defines a projection 62.

The third wall length 53 extends from the third wall first end 50 to thethird wall second end 52 and is less than the first wall length 23,greater than the third wall first height 55, greater than the third wallthickness 61, and less than the third wall second height 57. It isconsidered advantageous for the third wall length 53 to be less than thefirst wall length 23 at least because it provides a mechanism forfolding the third wall 16 relative to the first wall 12 to position thesupport stand 10 is in the third, folded configuration. Each of thethird wall first height 55 and the third wall second height 57 extendsfrom the third wall third end 54 to the third wall fourth end 56. Thethird wall first height 55 is disposed at the third wall first end 50and is less than the third wall second height 57 and less than the firstwall first height 27. The third wall second height 57 is disposed at thethird wall second end 52 and is greater than the first wall first height27 and greater than the third wall first height 55. In the illustratedembodiment, the height of the third wall 16 tapers from the third wallsecond end 52 to the third wall first end 50. The third wall thickness61 extends from the third wall outer surface 58 to the third wall innersurface 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the slope of the second wall14 and the third wall 16 are equal to one another and are configuredsuch that when an element is in an opened configuration (e.g., themaximum angle of a display relative to a keyboard is achieved, theelement is completely opened) and positioned on the support stand 10 inthe assembled configuration, a portion of the element (e.g., thedisplay) is vertical.

In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 62 extends from the thirdwall second end 52 and is sized and configured to be received withinslot 46 defined by the second wall 14 such that the third wall 16 can bereleasably attached to the second wall 14 when the support stand 10 isin the first, assembled configuration, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown inFIG. 2, the third wall 16 is free of attachment to the second wall 14when the support stand 10 is in the second, disassembled configuration.

While the third wall length 53 has been illustrated as being less thanthe first wall length 23, greater than the third wall first height 55,greater than the third wall thickness 61, and less than the third wallsecond height 57, a wall included in a support stand can have anysuitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable structuralarrangement can be based on various considerations, including theintended use of the support stand. Examples of structural arrangementsconsidered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those in whicha wall length is greater than, less than, or equal to, a wall height, awall thickness, and any other structural arrangement considered suitablefor a particular embodiment. For example, a third wall length can begreater than a first wall length in embodiments in which a second wallis disposed between the first wall and the third wall when the supportstand is in the third, folded configuration. It is consideredadvantageous for the third wall 16 to have a third wall first height 55that is less than the third wall second height 57 and less than thefirst wall first height 27, a third wall second height 57 that isgreater than the third wall first height 55 and greater than the firstwall first height 27, and a third wall height that tapers from the thirdwall second end 52 to the third wall first end 50 to provide structurethat is capable of supporting an element on the platform 64, asdescribed in more detail herein, and prevents movement of the elementduring use.

In use, the support stand 10 is moveable between the variousconfigurations shown in FIGS. 1 through 5 by manipulating the positonsof the second and third walls 14, 16 relative to the first wall 12. Forexample, to move the support stand 10 from the first, assembledconfiguration to the second, unassembled configuration, the projection62 is withdrawn from the slot 46, the third wall 16 is advanced awayfrom the second wall 14, and each of the second wall 14 and the thirdwall 16 are moved relative to the first wall 12 (e.g., such that thesecond wall 14 and the third wall 16 is coplanar with the first wall12). To move the support stand 10 from the second, unassembledconfiguration to the third, folded configuration, one of the second wall14 or third wall 16 is positioned between the first wall 12 and theother of the second wall 14 or third wall 16. For example, the secondwall 14 is advanced toward the first wall 12 until the second wall 14contacts the first wall 12 and, subsequently, the third wall 16 isadvanced toward the second wall 14 such that the third wall 16 contactsthe second wall 14 and the second wall 14 is disposed between the firstwall 12 and the third wall 16. Alternatively, to move the support stand10 from the second, unassembled configuration to the third, foldedconfiguration, the third wall 16 is advanced toward the first wall 12until the third wall 16 contacts the first wall 12 and, subsequently,the second wall 14 is advanced toward the third wall 16 such that thesecond wall 16 contacts the third wall 16 and the third wall 16 isdisposed between the first wall 12 and the second wall 14. To move thesupport stand 10 from the second, unassembled configuration to thefirst, assembled configuration, the third wall 16 is advanced toward thesecond wall 14 and the projection 62 is positioned within the slot 46such that the second wall 14 is releasably attached to the third wall16. To move the support stand 10 from the third, folded configuration tothe first, assembled configuration, the third wall 16 is advanced awayfrom the second wall 14, the second wall 14 is advanced away from thefirst wall 12, and the projection 62 is positioned within the slot 46such that the second wall 14 is releasably attached to the third wall16. Alternatively, to move the support stand 10 from the third, foldedconfiguration to the first, assembled configuration, the second wall 14is advanced away from the third wall 16, the third wall 16 is advancedaway from the first wall 12, and the projection 62 is positioned withinthe slot 46 such that the second wall 14 is releasable attached to thethird wall 16.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 10 is formed of asingle continuous piece of corrugated material such that each of thesecond wall 14 and the third wall 16 is directly attached to the firstwall 12 and a first folding line 66 is defined between the first wall 12and the second wall 14 and a second folding line 68 is defined betweenthe first wall 12 and the third wall 16. When the support stand 10 is inthe first, assembled configuration, the first wall 12, the second wall14, and the third wall 16 cooperatively define the platform 64 thatsupports the position of an element that is placed on the platform 64(e.g., the support stand 10 is adapted to support an element, theplatform 64 is sized and configured to support the position of anelement when placed on the support stand 10). In addition, when thesupport stand 10 is in the first, assembled configuration, the firstwall 12, the second wall 14, and the third wall 16 cooperatively definea chamber 65 that is sized and configured to house various ancillarydevices, such as those used with an element that is positioned onplatform 64. Examples of ancillary devices that can be housed withinchamber 65 include chargers, batteries, input/output devices, powercords, storage devices, and any other devices considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. Optionally, one or more walls of a support stand(e.g., second wall, third wall) can define one or more passageways(e.g., through the thickness of the wall), or notches (e.g., along anend of the wall), that are sized and configured to receive a portion ofan ancillary device, such as a power cord.

Each of the first wall 12, the second wall 14, and the third wall 16 issized and configured to interact with and contact an element positionedon the platform 64. For example, when an element is placed on thesupport stand 10, the element will contact the first wall inner surface30 along the portion of the first wall 12 that extends beyond the secondwall first height 39 and the third wall first height 55. This structuralconfiguration of the support stand 10 defines a ridge 67 that preventsmovement of the element during use. In addition, the element willcontact the second wall third end 38 and the third wall third end 54.Since each of the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 has a taperedconfiguration, when the element is positioned on the platform 64 it isdisposed at an incline that extends upwardly and away from a user duringuse. Depending on the material forming a support stand and thestructural arrangement of a first wall relative to a second wall and athird wall, a platform cooperatively defined by a first wall, a secondwall, and a third wall can be sized and configured to support anysuitable element. Selection of a suitable element to position on aplatform defined by a first wall, a second wall, and a third wall can bebased on various considerations, including the intended use of a supportstand. Examples of elements considered suitable to position on a supportstand include an electronic device, a laptop computer system, a mobiledevice, a hand-held device, a personal digital assistant (PDA) system, atablet, and any other element considered suitable for a particularembodiment.

The inclusion of a second wall length 37 and a third wall length 53 thatare less than a first wall length 23 is considered advantageous at leastbecause it allows for the support stand 10 to be collapsible and movedfrom the first, assembled configuration to the third, foldedconfiguration and placed into a compact storage area, such as athree-ring binder. In addition, it is considered advantageous to includea first wall 12 that has a first wall first height 27 that extends alongthe entire first wall length 23, is greater than the second wall firstheight 39, is greater than the third wall first height 55, and that isthe front most structure on the support stand 10 such that any elementpositioned on the platform 64 is prevented from sliding off the supportstand 10 and from interfering with a user during use. Alternativeembodiments, however, can include a first wall that has a first wallfirst height that extends along a portion of a first wall length, amajority of a first wall length, or a minority of a first wall length,and that is greater than a second wall first height and a third wallfirst height to provide structure that prevents an element positioned ona platform from sliding off the support stand during use.

While the support stand 10 has been illustrated as including a firstwall 12, a second wall 14, and a third wall 16, a support stand caninclude any suitable number of walls and selection of a suitable numberof walls to include in a support stand can be based on variousconsiderations, including the intended use of the support stand.Examples of numbers of walls considered suitable to include in a supportstand include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five,more than five, and any other number considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. While the support stand 10 has been illustratedas being formed of a single continuous piece of corrugated material, asupport stand can be formed of any suitable number of pieces of materialand each piece can be formed of any suitable material. Selection of asuitable number of pieces of material to form a support stand and of asuitable material to form each piece can be based on variousconsiderations, including the type of element intended to be supportedby a support stand. Examples of numbers of pieces of material consideredsuitable to form a support stand include one, at least one, two, aplurality, three, four, five, more than five, and any other numberconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example, each wallincluded in a support stand can comprise a separate piece of materialthat is moveably attached to another piece of material of the supportstand. Examples of materials considered suitable to form a piece, asubset of pieces, or each piece of material of a support stand includeplastics, rubbers, wood, bamboo, composite materials, corrugatedmaterials, such as cardboards, hollow corrugated paneling, plastic orfoam core aluminum paneling, cloth covered cardboards (e.g., such asbook covers), plastic corrugated materials (e.g., Coroplast),lightweight materials, composition paneling, impregnated paneling, foamcore board (e.g., Gator Board), expanded PVC paneling (e.g., Celtec,Sintra), plastic paneling (e.g., Nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene,polyurethane, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene (e.g., Delrin), elastomericmaterials (e.g., PORON), metals, such as titanium, aluminum, anymaterial used for signage, or other lightweight enclosures, combinationsof the materials described herein, and any other material consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. A support stand can have anydimensions considered suitable for a particular embodiment. For example,a support stand can include a height and width along the front of thesupport stand, in an assembled configuration, that are equal to, lessthan, slightly less than, or greater than, the height and width of anelement intended to be positioned on the support stand.

While a slot 46 has been illustrated as being defined by the second wall14 and a projection 62 has been illustrated as being defined by thethird wall 16 as providing releasable attachment between the second wall14 and the third wall 16, any suitable technique or method of providingreleasable attachment between two walls can be utilized. Selection of asuitable technique or method to provide releasable attachment betweentwo walls of a support stand can be based on various considerations,including the material that forms the support stand, or a portion of thesupport stand. Examples of techniques and methods of providingreleasable attachment between two walls of a support stand includedefining a slot on one wall (e.g., second wall, third wall) and defininga projection on another wall (e.g., third wall, second wall) that issized and configured to be received by the slot, using a clip, or pin,that is separate element and sized and configured to be received by afirst recess defined by one wall (e.g., second wall, third wall) and bya second recess defined by another wall (e.g., second wall, third wall),using one or more clasps, using one or more fasteners, such as a firstmagnet attached to, or disposed within a recess defined by, one wall(e.g., second wall, third wall) and a second magnet attached to, ordisposed within a recess defined by, another wall (e.g., second wall,third wall) that is sized and configured to attract the first magnet toprovide releasable attachment between the walls, such as a first hookand loop fastener attached to one wall (e.g., second wall, third wall)and a second hook and loop fastener attached to another wall (e.g.,second wall, third wall) that is sized and configured to mate with thefirst hook and loop fastener to provide releasable attachment betweenthe walls, using one or more lengths of an elongate member (e.g., rope,string) that are passed through one or more passageways defined by twowalls, using an elongate member (e.g., rope, string) attached to a walland a button attached to another wall, snap-fit configurations, usingbuttons, and any other technique or method considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. Any of the techniques or methods of attachmentdescribed herein can be included along a portion, or the entirety, ofthe height of a wall to achieve releasable attachment. For example, awall can define a portion that is moveable relative to the wall thatincludes a first fastener (e.g., hook and loop, first magnet) and theportion can be positioned parallel to a second wall that includes asecond fastener (e.g., hook and loop, first magnet) that is sized andconfigured to attract the first magnet to provide releasable attachmentbetween the portion of the wall and the second wall. The portion of thewall can be positioned on an outer surface and/or an inner surface ofthe second wall depending on the placement of the second fastener.

While the first wall 12 has been illustrated as being substantially arectangular prism, each of the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 hasbeen illustrated as being substantially a trapezoidal prism, and thesecond wall 14 has been illustrated as having the same structuralarrangement as the third wall 16, a wall included on a support stand canhave any suitable structural arrangement. Selection of a suitablestructural arrangement for a wall included on a support stand can bebased on various considerations, including the type of element intendedto be supported by the support stand. Examples of structuralconfigurations considered suitable for a wall of a support stand includethose that are substantially, or entirely, square prisms, rectangularprisms, triangular prisms, trapezoidal prisms, pentagonal prisms,hexagonal prisms, oblique prisms, walls that are planar, walls that arecurved along a portion, or the entirety, of its length, walls that haveplanar ends, walls that are curved along a portion, or the entirety, ofits end, structural arrangements that are the same as, or differentfrom, another wall included in a support stand, and any other structuralarrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Optionally,any of the walls of a support stand can include customized graphics onthe outer surfaces and/or inner surfaces to provide a mechanism topublicly display a message.

While each of the second wall 14 and the third wall 16 has beenillustrated as being directly attached to the first wall 12 such thatthe first folding line 66 is defined between the first wall 12 and thesecond wall 14 and the second folding line 68 is defined between thefirst wall 12 and the third wall 16, a second wall can be moveablyattached to a first wall and a third wall can be moveably attached to afirst wall using any suitable technique or method of attachment.Selection of a suitable technique or method of attachment to utilizebetween a second wall and a first wall and between a third wall and afirst wall can be based on various considerations, including theintended use of a support stand. Examples of techniques and methods ofattachment considered suitable between a second wall and a first walland between a third wall and a first wall include direct attachments,such as using a single continuous piece of material, living hinges,indirect attachments, such as using hinged attachments (e.g., pins,hinges), rings, magnets, cloths, rubber, cords, wires, leather, moldedplastic, shaped metal, any device or element that provides movement ofone or more walls relative to another wall, as described herein, and anyother technique or method of attachment considered suitable for aparticular embodiment. In embodiments in which a support frame is formedof a single continuous piece of material, the material that forms thesupport frame can be scored at one or more locations (e.g., wherefolding lines are illustrated herein) to provide movement between thewalls of the support frame. For example, the material that forms asupport wall can be scored one, two, three, or four times (e.g., twotimes at a location between the first wall and the second wall (e.g.,along the length of the second wall that has a height less than theheight of the first wall) and two times between the first wall and thethird wall (e.g., along the length of the third wall that has a heightless than the height of the first wall)) such that movement between thewalls can be accomplished. Depending on the material that forms asupport wall, a corner between a first wall and a second wall and/or acorner between a first wall and a third wall can be rounded, include ahard edge, or be multifaceted.

Embodiments of the support stands described herein are consideredadvantageous at least because they elevate an element placed on thesupport stand relative to a user. In addition, since the base of mostelements (e.g., keyboard portion of laptop, base of laptop) are heavierthan a display portion of the elements, the embodiments of the supportstands described herein keep the center of gravity low relative todevices that do not include the configurations described herein, whichenhances stability and reduces the likelihood that the element willfall.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another example support stand 110. The supportstand 110 is similar to the support stand 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1through 5 and described above, except as detailed below. In theillustrated embodiment, the support stand 110 has a first wall 112, asecond wall 114, and a third wall 116.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall 112 has a first wall firstportion 170, a first wall second portion 172, and a first wall thirdportion 174. The first wall first portion 170 extends from the firstwall first end 120 to the first wall second portion 172. The first wallsecond portion 172 is disposed between the first wall first portion 170and the first wall third portion 174 and extends from the first wallfirst portion 170 to the first wall third portion 174. The first wallsecond portion 172 is sized and configured to interact with and contactan element positioned on the platform 164. The first wall third portion174 extends from the first wall second portion 172 to the first wallsecond end 122. The first wall first portion 170 has a first wall firstheight 171, the first wall second portion 172 has a first wall secondheight 173, and the first wall third portion 174 has a first wall thirdheight 175. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wall first height171 is less than the first wall second height 173 and the first wallthird height 175 is less than the first wall second height 173. Thefirst wall first portion 170 has a first wall first length 177, thefirst wall second portion 172 has a first wall second length 179, andthe first wall third portion 174 has a first wall third length 181. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the first wall first length 177 is less thanthe first wall second length 179 and the first wall third length 181 isless than the first wall second length 179. The first wall second length179 is greater than one half of the first wall length 123. Thisstructural arrangement provides a mechanism for positioning an elementon the platform 164 and maintaining the position of the element suchthat it is prevented from sliding off the support stand 110 during use.

While the first wall 112 has been illustrated as having a first wallfirst portion 170, a first wall second portion 172, and a first wallthird portion 174, a wall included in a support stand can have anysuitable number of portions having any suitable height and length.Selection of a suitable number of portions for a wall of a support standto include and of a suitable height and length for each portion can bebased on various considerations, including the type of element intendedto be positioned on a platform defined by the support stand. Examples ofnumbers of portions considered suitable to include on a wall includeone, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, five, more than five,and any other number considered suitable for a particular embodiment.Examples of heights considered suitable for a portion included on a wallinclude a height that is equal to, greater than, or less than the heightof another portion of the wall, an adjacent portion of the wall, and anyother height considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examplesof lengths considered suitable for a portion included on a wall includea length that is equal to, greater than, or less than the length ofanother portion of the wall, an adjacent portion of the wall, and anyother length considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

While the first wall second length 179 has been illustrated as beinggreater than one half of the first wall length 123, a first wall secondlength (e.g., the portion intended to interact with and/or contact anelement positioned on a platform defined by a support stand) can be anysuitable length and selection of a suitable length can be based onvarious considerations, including the type of element intended to bepositioned on a platform defined by the support stand. Examples oflengths considered suitable for a first wall second portion (e.g., theportion intended to interact with and/or contact an element positionedon a platform defined by a support stand) include lengths that aregreater than, less than, or equal to, a first wall length, less than onehalf of the first wall length, one half of a first wall length, and anyother length considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall 114 is hingedly attachedto the first wall 112 using second wall pin 182, is moveable relative tothe first wall 112 when the support stand 110 is in the second,disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the third wall116 in the first, assembled configuration using a second wall magnet184. The second wall first height 139 is disposed at the second wallfirst end 134 and is less than the second wall second height 141, equalto the first wall first height 171, and less than the first wall secondheight 173. The second wall second height 141 is disposed at the secondwall second end 136 and is greater than the second wall first height139, greater than the first wall first height 171, and greater than thefirst wall second height 173. In the illustrated embodiment, the heightof the second wall 114 tapers from the second wall second end 136 to thesecond wall first end 134 and has a different slope than the second wall14 illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall pin 182 is partiallydisposed within the first wall thickness 131 and partially disposedwithin the second wall thickness 145 such that movement between thesecond wall 114 and the first wall 112 can be achieved. The second wallmagnet 184 is disposed within the second wall thickness 145 and is sizedand configured to attract the third wall magnet 188, as described inmore detail herein, to provide releasable attachment between the secondwall 114 and the third wall 116 when the support stand 110 is in thefirst, assembled configuration.

While the second wall first height 139 has been illustrated as beingequal to the first wall first height 171 and less than the first wallsecond height 173, a wall included in a support stand can have anysuitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable structuralarrangement can be based on various considerations, including theintended use of the support stand. Examples of structural arrangementsconsidered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those in whicha second wall first height is greater than, less than, or equal to, afirst wall first height, a first wall second height, and any otherstructural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.It is considered advantageous for the second wall 114 to have a secondwall first height 139 that is less than the second wall second height141 and less than the first wall second height 173, a second wall secondheight 141 that is greater than the second wall first height 139 andgreater than the first wall first height 171, and a second wall heightthat tapers from the second wall second end 136 to the second wall firstend 134 to provide structure that is capable of supporting an elementdisposed on the platform 164 and prevents movement of the element duringuse.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third wall 116 is hingedly attachedto the first wall 112 using third wall pin 186, is moveable relative tothe first wall 112 when the support stand 110 is in the second,disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to the secondwall 114 in the first, assembled configuration using a third wall magnet188. The third wall first height 155 is disposed at the third wall firstend 150 and is less than the third wall second height 157, equal to thefirst wall first height 171, and less than the first wall second height173. The third wall second height 157 is disposed at the third wallsecond end 152 and is greater than the third wall first height 155,greater than the first wall first height 171, and greater than the firstwall second height 173. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of thethird wall 116 tapers from the third wall second end 152 to the thirdwall first end 150 and has a different slope than the third wall 16illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third wall pin 186 is partiallydisposed within the first wall thickness 131 and partially disposedwithin the third wall thickness 161 such that movement between the thirdwall 116 and the first wall 112 can be achieved. The third wall magnet188 is disposed within the third wall thickness 161 and is sized andconfigured to attract the second wall magnet 184 to provide releasableattachment between the second wall 114 and the third wall 116.

While the third wall first height 155 has been illustrated as beingequal to the first wall first height 171 and less than the first wallsecond height 173, a wall included in a support stand can have anysuitable structural arrangement and selection of a suitable structuralarrangement can be based on various considerations, including theintended use of the support stand. Examples of structural arrangementsconsidered suitable for a wall of a support stand include those in whicha third wall first height is greater than, less than, or equal to, afirst wall first height, a first wall second height, and any otherstructural arrangement considered suitable for a particular embodiment.It is considered advantageous for the third wall 116 to have a thirdwall first height 155 that is less than the third wall second height 157and less than the first wall second height 173, a third wall secondheight 157 that is greater than the third wall first height 155 andgreater than the first wall first height 171, and a third wall heightthat tapers from the third wall second end 152 to the third wall firstend 150 to provide structure that is capable of supporting an elementdisposed on the platform 164 and prevents movement of the element duringuse.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first wall 112, the secondwall 114, and the third wall 116 includes non-slip liners 190. A firstnon-slip liner 190 is attached to the first wall third end 124, a secondnon-slip liner 190 is attached to the first wall fourth end 126, a thirdnon-slip liner 190 is attached to the second wall third end 138, afourth non-slip liner 190 is attached to the second wall fourth end 140,a fifth non-slip liner 190 is attached to the third wall third end 154,and a sixth non-slip liner 190 is attached to the third wall fourth end156. It is considered advantageous to include a non-slip liner on one ormore ends of a wall of a support stand at least to prevent slippage ofan element positioned on a platform of the support stand and/or toprevent slippage of the support stand relative to the surface on whichit is disposed.

While a non-slip liner 190 has been illustrated as being attached toeach of the first wall third end 124, the first wall fourth end 126, thesecond wall third end 138, the second wall fourth end 140, the thirdwall third end 154, and the third wall fourth end 156, a non-slip liner,or any other structure, can be included on any suitable number of wallsand on any suitable number of ends of each wall. Selection of a suitablenumber of walls to include a non-slip liner, or any other structure,such as a binder (e.g., plastic, includes structure similar to non-slipliner but does not include non-slip quality), and of a suitable numberof ends on each wall to include a non-slip liner, or other structure,can be based on various considerations, including the type of elementintended to be positioned on the support stand and/or the type ofsurface on which the support stand is intended to be disposed. Examplesof numbers of walls considered suitable to attach a non-slip liner, orother structure, include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three,four, five, six, seven, a set of walls included in a support stand, eachwall included in a support stand, and any other number consideredsuitable for a particular embodiment. Examples of numbers of ends of awall considered suitable to attach a non-slip liner, or other structure,include one, at least one, two, a plurality, three, four, a set of endsof a wall included in a support stand, each end of a wall, and any othernumber considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

Any suitable material can be used as a non-slip liner included on asupport stand to prevent slippage of an element positioned on a platformdefined by the support stand and/or prevent slippage of the supportstand relative to the surface on which the support stand is disposed andselection of a suitable material can be based on various considerations,including the type of element intended to be positioned on the supportstand and/or the type of surface on which the support stand is intendedto be disposed. Examples of materials considered suitable to utilize asa non-slip liner include plastics, polymers, elastomeric materials(e.g., PORON), foams, paints, adhesives, and any other materialconsidered suitable for a particular embodiment. A non-slip linerincluded on a support stand can have any suitable structural arrangementand be attached to a wall of a support stand using any suitabletechnique or method of attachment. Selection of a suitable structuralarrangement for a non-slip liner and of a suitable technique or methodof attachment between a non-slip liner and a wall of a support stand canbe based on various considerations, including the type of elementintended to be positioned on the support stand and/or the type ofsurface on which the support stand is intended to be disposed. Examplesof structural arrangements of non-slip liners considered suitable toinclude on a support stand include elongate members that define a trackthat is sized and configured to receive a portion of a wall, flexiblemembers that are sized and configured to form to the structuralconfiguration of a portion of a wall, liquids that are configured toform to the structural configuration of a portion of a wall, and anyother structural configuration considered suitable for a particularembodiment. Examples of techniques and methods of attachment consideredsuitable between a wall and a non-slip liner include snap-fitattachments, friction-fit attachments, using adhesives, using one ormore fasteners, using one or more hook and loop fasteners, and any othertechnique or method considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Itis considered advantageous to include a non-slip liner at least becauseit prevents damage, such as scratching, to an element positioned on aplatform of a support stand and/or injury to a user during use.

In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first non-slip liner 190 thatis attached to the first wall third end 124, the third non-slip liner190 that is attached to the second wall third end 138, and the fifthnon-slip liner 190 that is attached to the third wall third end 154 is afoam material that is sized and configured to form to the structuralarrangement of the wall and is adhesively attached to the wall. In theillustrated embodiment, each of the second non-slip liner 190 that isattached to the first wall fourth end 126, the fourth non-slip liner 190that is attached to the second wall fourth end 140, and the sixthnon-slip liner 190 that is attached to the third wall fourth end 156 isa rigid plastic material that defines a track that is sized andconfigured to receive a portion of the wall and is friction fit to thewall.

While each of the non-slip liners 190 has been illustrated as extendingalong the entire length of the end to which it is attached, a non-slipliner can be attached to any suitable length of an end of a wall andselection of a suitable length to attached a non-slip liner can be basedon various considerations, including the type of element intended to bepositioned on the support stand and/or the type of surface on which thesupport stand is intended to be disposed. Examples of lengths consideredsuitable to attach a non-slip liner include lengths that are equal to orless than the length of an end of a wall to which the non-slip liner isattached, and any other length considered suitable for a particularembodiment.

In use, the support stand 110 is moveable between a first, assembledconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 6, a second, unassembled configuration,as shown in FIG. 7, and a third, folded configuration by manipulatingthe positons of the second and third walls 114, 116 relative to thefirst wall 112. For example, to move the support stand 110 from thefirst, assembled configuration to the second, unassembled configuration,the magnets 184, 188 are advanced away from one another such that thesecond wall 114 and the third wall 116 are no longer releasably attachedto one another (e.g., the second wall 114 and the third wall 116 arefree of attachment to one another). To move the support stand 110 fromthe second, unassembled configuration to the third, foldedconfiguration, the walls can be manipulated as described with respect toFIGS. 1 through 5. To move the support stand 110 from the second,unassembled configuration to the first, assembled configuration, themagnets 184, 188 are advanced toward one another until releasableattachment between the magnets 184, 188 and the walls 114, 166 isaccomplished. To move the support stand from the third, foldedconfiguration to the first, assembled configuration, the third wall 116is advanced away from the second wall 114, the second wall 114 isadvanced away from the first wall 112, and the magnets 184, 188 areadvanced toward one another until releasable attachment between themagnets 184, 188 and the walls 114, 166 is accomplished. Alternatively,to move the support stand from the third, folded configuration to thefirst, assembled configuration, the second wall 114 is advanced awayfrom the third wall 116, the third wall 116 is advanced away from thefirst wall 112, and the magnets 184, 188 are advanced toward one anotheruntil releasable attachment between the magnets 184, 188 and the walls114, 166 is accomplished.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 110 is formed of threeseparate pieces of corrugated material such that that first wall 112comprises a first piece of material, the second wall 114 comprises asecond piece of material, and the third wall 116 comprises a third pieceof material. As described above, the first wall 112 is hingedly attachedto the second wall 114 using the second wall pin 182 and the first wall112 is hingedly attached to the third wall 116 using the third wall pin186. When the support stand 110 is in the first, assembledconfiguration, the first wall 112, the second wall 114, and the thirdwall 116 cooperatively define a platform 164 that is sized andconfigured to support the position of an element that is placed on theplatform 164. A wall pin included in a support stand can be formed ofany suitable material capable of providing movement between one or morewalls, as described herein, such as wood, metal, plastic, wire, and anyother material considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another example support stand 210. The supportstand 210 is similar to the support stand 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1through 5 and described above, except as detailed below. In theillustrated embodiment, the support stand 210 has a first wall 212, asecond wall 214, a third wall 216, a fourth wall 270, and a fifth wall272.

The first wall 212 has a first wall first end 220, a first wall secondend 222, a first wall length 223, a first wall third end 224, a firstwall fourth end 226, a first wall first height 227, a first wall outersurface 228, a first wall inner surface 230, and a first wall thickness231. The first wall length 223 extends from the first wall first end 220to the first wall second end 222 and is greater than the first wallfirst height 227 and the first wall thickness 231. The first wall firstheight 227 extends from the first wall third end 224 to the first wallfourth end 226. The first wall thickness 231 extends from the first wallouter surface 228 to the first wall inner surface 230. In theillustrated embodiment, the first wall 212 is substantially arectangular prism.

The second wall 214 is attached to the first wall 212, is moveablerelative to the first wall 212 when the support stand 210 is in thesecond, disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to thefifth wall 272 in the third, folded configuration, as described in moredetail herein. The second wall 214 has a second wall first end 234, asecond wall second end 236, a second wall length 237, a second wallthird end 238, a second wall fourth end 240, a second wall first height239, a second wall second height 241, a second wall outer surface 242, asecond wall inner surface 244, and a second wall thickness 245.

The second wall length 237 extends from the second wall first end 234 tothe second wall second end 236 and is less than the first wall length223, greater than the second wall first height 239, greater than thesecond wall thickness 245, and less than the second wall second height241. Each of the second wall first height 239 and the second wall secondheight 241 extends from the second wall third end 238 to the second wallfourth end 240. The second wall first height 239 is disposed at thesecond wall first end 234 and is less than the second wall second height241 and less than the first wall first height 227. The second wallsecond height 241 is disposed at the second wall second end 236 and isgreater than the second wall first height 239 and greater than the firstwall first height 227. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of thesecond wall 214 tapers from the second wall second end 236 to the secondwall first end 234. The second wall thickness 245 extends from thesecond wall outer surface 242 to the second wall inner surface 244. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the second wall 214 is substantially atrapezoidal prism.

The third wall 216 is attached to the first wall 212, is moveablerelative to the first wall 212 when the support stand 210 is in thesecond, disassembled configuration. The third wall 216 has a third wallfirst end 250, a third wall second end 252, a third wall length 253, athird wall third end 254, a third wall fourth end 256, a third wallfirst height 255, a third wall second height 257, a third wall outersurface 258, a third wall inner surface 260, and a third wall thickness261.

The third wall length 253 extends from the third wall first end 250 tothe third wall second end 252 and is less than the first wall length223, greater than the third wall first height 255, greater than thethird wall thickness 261, and less than the third wall second height257. Each of the third wall first height 255 and the third wall secondheight 257 extends from the third wall third end 254 to the third wallfourth end 256. The third wall first height 255 is disposed at the thirdwall first end 250 and is less than the third wall second height 257 andless than the first wall first height 227. The third wall second height257 is disposed at the third wall second end 252 and is greater than thefirst wall first height 227 and greater than the third wall first height255. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the third wall 216tapers from the third wall second end 252 to the third wall first end250. The third wall thickness 261 extends from the third wall outersurface 258 to the third wall inner surface 260. In the illustratedembodiment, the third wall 216 is substantially a trapezoidal prism.

The fourth wall 270 is attached to the second wall 214, is moveablerelative to the second wall 214 when the support stand 210 is in thesecond, disassembled configuration, and is releasably attached to thefifth wall 272 in the first, assembled configuration. The fourth wall270 has a fourth wall first end 274, a fourth wall second end 276, afourth wall length 275, a fourth wall third end 278, a fourth wallfourth end 280, a fourth wall first height 277, a fourth wall secondheight 279, a fourth wall outer surface 282, a fourth wall inner surface284, a fourth wall thickness 283, and defines a slot 246.

The fourth wall length 275 extends from the fourth wall first end 274 tothe fourth wall second end 276 and is less than the first wall length223, less than the fourth wall first height 277, greater than the fourthwall thickness 283, and less than the fourth wall second height 279.Each of the fourth wall first height 277 and the fourth wall secondheight 279 extends from the fourth wall third end 278 to the fourth wallfourth end 280. The fourth wall first height 277 is disposed at thefourth wall first end 274 and is less than the fourth wall second height279 and greater than the first wall first height 227. The fourth wallsecond height 279 is disposed at the fourth wall second end 276 and isgreater than the first wall first height 227 and greater than the fourthwall first height 277. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of thefourth wall 270 tapers from the fourth wall second end 276 to the fourthwall first end 274. The fourth wall thickness 283 extends from thefourth wall outer surface 282 to the fourth wall inner surface 284. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the fourth wall 270 is substantially atrapezoidal prism. The slot 246 extends through the fourth wallthickness 283 and from the fourth wall outer surface 282 to the fourthwall inner surface 284. The slot 246 is sized and configured to receivea portion of the projection 262 defined by the fifth wall 272, asdescribed in more detail herein.

The fifth wall 272 is attached to the third wall 216, is moveablerelative to the third wall 216 when the support stand 210 is in thesecond, disassembled configuration, is releasably attached to the fourthwall 270 in the first, assembled configuration, and is releasablyattached to the second wall 214 in the third, folded configuration. Thefifth wall 272 has a fifth wall first end 286, a fifth wall second end288, a fifth wall length 287, a fifth wall third end 290, a fifth wallfourth end 292, a fifth wall first height 289, a fifth wall secondheight 291, a fifth wall outer surface 294, a fifth wall inner surface296, a fifth wall thickness 295, and defines a projection 262.

The fifth wall length 287 extends from the fifth wall first end 286 tothe fifth wall second end 288 and is less than the first wall length223, less than the fifth wall first height 289, greater than the fifthwall thickness 295, and less than the fifth wall second height 291. Eachof the fifth wall first height 289 and the fifth wall second height 291extends from the fifth wall third end 290 to the fifth wall fourth end292. The fifth wall first height 289 is disposed at the fifth wall firstend 286 and is less than the fifth wall second height 291 and greaterthan the first wall first height 227. The fifth wall second height 291is disposed at the fifth wall second end 288 and is greater than thefirst wall first height 227 and greater than the fifth wall first height289. In the illustrated embodiment, the height of the fifth wall 272tapers from the fifth wall second end 288 to the fifth wall first end286. The fifth wall thickness 295 extends from the fifth wall outersurface 294 to the fifth wall inner surface 296. In the illustratedembodiment, the fifth wall 272 is substantially a trapezoidal prism. Theprojection 262 extends from the fifth wall second end 288 and is sizedand configured to be received within slot 246 defined by the fourth wall270 such that the fifth wall 272 is releasably attachable to the fourthwall 270 when the support stand 210 is in the first, assembledconfiguration and is free of attachment to the fourth wall 214 when thesupport stand 210 is in the second, disassembled configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 210 includes a firsthook and loop fastener 302 attached to the second wall 214 and a secondhook and loop fastener 304 attached to the fifth wall 272. The inclusionof fasteners 302, 304 provides a mechanism for releasably attaching thesecond wall 214 to the fifth wall 272 when the support stand 210 is inthe third, folded configuration. While a first hook and loop fastener302 has been illustrated as being attached to the second wall 214 and asecond hook and loop fastener 304 has been illustrated as being attachedto the fifth wall 272, a support stand can include any suitable type andnumber of fasteners positioned on any suitable wall to achieveattachment between two walls. Selection of a suitable type and number offasteners to include on a support stand and of a suitable wall toposition a fastener can be based on various considerations, includingthe intended use of the support stand. Examples of numbers of fastenersconsidered suitable to include on a support stand include one, at leastone, two, a plurality, three, four, five, six, and any other number offasteners considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examples oftypes of fasteners considered suitable to include on a support standinclude using a clip that is separate element and sized and configuredto be received by a first recess defined by a first wall and by a secondrecess defined by a second wall, using one or more clasps, using a firstmagnet attached to, or disposed within a recess defined by, a first walland a second magnet attached to, or disposed within a recess defined by,a second wall that is sized and configured to attract the first magnetto provide releasable attachment between the walls, using a first hookand loop fastener attached to a first wall and a second hook and loopfastener attached to a second wall that is sized and configured to matewith the first hook and loop fastener to provide releasable attachmentbetween the walls, using any suitable technique or method of providingreleasable attachment between two walls of a support stand, combinationsof the techniques, methods, and/or fasteners described herein, and anyother fastener considered suitable for a particular embodiment. Examplesof suitable walls to position a fastener that is sized and configured toprovide releasable attachment between two walls include on a first wall,on a second wall, on a third wall, on a fourth wall, on a fifth wall, oneach of the walls defined by a support stand, on a portion of the wallsdefined by the support stand, and any other wall considered suitable fora particular embodiment.

In use, the support stand 210 is moveable between the variousconfigurations by manipulating the positons of the second, third,fourth, and fifth walls 214, 216, 270, 272 relative to the first wall212. For example, to move the support stand 210 from the first,assembled configuration to the second, unassembled configuration, theprojection 262 is removed from the slot 246. To move the support stand210 from the second, unassembled configuration to the third, foldedconfiguration, the second wall 214 and fourth wall 270 are advancedtoward the first wall 212 and, subsequently, the third wall 216 and thefifth wall 272 are advanced toward the second wall 214 and the fourthwall 270 such that the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270 aredisposed between the first wall 212, the third wall 216, and the fifthwall 272. Alternatively, to move the support stand 210 from the second,unassembled configuration to the third, folded configuration, the thirdwall 216 and the fifth wall 272 are advanced toward the first wall 212and, subsequently, the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270 areadvanced toward the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272 such that thethird wall 216 and the fifth wall 272 are disposed between the firstwall 212, the second wall 214, and the fourth wall 270. To move thesupport stand 210 from the second, unassembled configuration to thefirst, assembled configuration, the projection 262 is positioned withinthe slot 246 such that the fourth wall 270 is releasably attached to thefifth wall 272. To move the support stand from the third, foldedconfiguration to the first, assembled configuration, the third wall 216and the fifth wall 272 are advanced away from the second wall 214 andthe fourth wall 270, the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270 areadvanced away from the first wall 212, and the projection 262 ispositioned within the slot 246 such that the fourth wall 270 isreleasably attached to the fifth wall 272. Alternatively, to move thesupport stand 210 from the third, folded configuration to the first,assembled configuration, the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270 areadvanced away from the third wall 216 and the fifth wall 272, the thirdwall 216 and the fifth wall 272 are advanced away from the first wall212, and the projection 262 is positioned within the slot 246 such thatthe fourth wall 270 is releasable attached to the fifth wall 272.

In the illustrated embodiment, the support stand 210 is formed of asingle continuous piece of corrugated material such that each of thesecond wall 214 and the third wall 216 is directly attached to the firstwall 212, the fourth wall 270 is directly attached to the second wall214, the fifth wall 272 is directly attached to the third wall 216, afirst scoring line 266 is defined between the first wall 212 and thethird wall 216, a second scoring line 268 is defined between the firstwall 212 and the second wall 214, a third scoring line 306 is definedbetween the second wall 214 and the fourth wall 270, and a fourthscoring line 308 is defined between the third wall 216 and the fifthwall 272. Each of the scoring lines 266, 268, 306, and 308 illustratesthe location on the material forming the support stand 210 that has beenscored (e.g., the material has been cut, or scratched, partially throughits thickness). When the support stand 210 is in the first, assembledconfiguration, the first wall 212, the second wall 214, the third wall216, the fourth wall 270, and the fifth wall 272 cooperatively define aplatform 264 that is sized and configured to support the position of anelement that is placed on the platform 264. For example, each of thefirst wall 212, the second wall 214, the third wall 216, the fourth wall270, and the fifth wall 272 is sized and configured to interact with andcontact an element positioned on the platform 264.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate another example support stand 310. Thesupport stand 310 is similar to the support stand 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 5 and described above, except as detailed below. In theillustrated embodiment, the support stand 310 has a first wall 312, asecond wall 314, and a third wall 316.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second wall 314 has a second wallfirst end 334, a second wall second end 336, a second wall length 337, asecond wall third end 338, a second wall fourth end 340, a second wallfirst height 339, a second wall second height 341, a second wall outersurface 342, a second wall inner surface 344, a second wall thickness345, a second wall first portion 347, a second wall second portion 349,and defines a slot 346.

The second wall length 337 extends from the second wall first end 334 tothe second wall second end 336 and is less than the first wall length323, greater than the second wall first height 339, greater than thesecond wall thickness 345, and greater than the second wall secondheight 341. The second wall first portion 347 extends from the secondwall first end 334 toward the second wall second end 336 to the secondwall second portion 349. The second wall second portion 349 extends fromthe second wall second end 336 toward the second wall first end 334 tothe second wall first portion 347. Each of the second wall first height339 and the second wall second height 341 extends from the second wallthird end 338 to the second wall fourth end 340. The second wall firstheight 339 is disposed at the second wall first end 334 and is less thanthe second wall second height 341 and less than the first wall firstheight 327. The height of the second wall 314 tapers from the secondwall second portion 349 to the second wall first end 334 along thesecond wall first portion 347. The second wall second height 341 isdisposed at the second wall second end 336 and extends along the secondwall second portion 349. The second wall second height 341 is greaterthan the second wall first height 339 and greater than the first wallfirst height 327. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of thesecond wall third end 338 that extends along the second wall secondportion 349 is parallel to the second wall fourth end 340.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third wall 316 has a third wall firstend 350, a third wall second end 352, a third wall length 353, a thirdwall third end 354, a third wall fourth end 356, a third wall firstheight 355, a third wall second height 357, a third wall outer surface358, a third wall inner surface 360, a third wall thickness 361, a thirdwall first portion 363, a third wall second portion 365, and defines aprojection 362.

The third wall length 353 extends from the third wall first end 350 tothe third wall second end 352 and is less than the first wall length323, greater than the third wall first height 355, greater than thethird wall thickness 361, and greater than the third wall second height357. The third wall first portion 363 extends from the third wall firstend 350 toward the third wall second end 352 to the third wall secondportion 365. The third wall second portion 365 extends from the thirdwall second end 352 toward the third wall first end 350 to the thirdwall first portion 363. Each of the third wall first height 355 and thethird wall second height 357 extends from the third wall third end 354to the third wall fourth end 356. The third wall first height 355 isdisposed at the third wall first end 350 and is less than the third wallsecond height 357 and less than the first wall first height 327. Theheight of the third wall 316 tapers from the third wall second portion365 to the third wall first end 350 along the third wall first portion363. The third wall second height 357 is disposed at the third wallsecond end 352 and extends along the third wall second portion 365. Thethird wall second height 357 is greater than the third wall first height355 and greater than the first wall first height 327. In the illustratedembodiment, the portion of the third wall third end 354 that extendsalong the third wall second portion 365 is parallel to the second wallfourth end 356. In the illustrated embodiment, the projection 362includes tapered ends 402 and curved recesses 404 that are sized andconfigured to be received by slot 346. The inclusion of the tapered ends402 and the curved recesses 404 are considered advantageous at leastbecause they provide a mechanism for advancing the projection 362 intothe slot 346 using less force than embodiments in which a projectiondoes not include tapered ends and/or curved recesses. In addition, theinclusion of the tapered ends 402 and the curved recesses 404 provide amechanism for maintaining the projection 362 within the slot 346 duringuse.

The structural arrangement of the second wall 314 and the third wall 316of the support stand 310 is considered advantageous at least because itprovides a mechanism for storing the support stand 310 in the foldedconfiguration within a notebook such that no portion of the supportstand 310 extends outside of the notebook when the support stand 310 isstored in the notebook. For example, when the support stand 310 ispositioned within a closed notebook, no wall of the support stand 310extends outside of the terminal ends of the closed notebook. This allowsfor an enhanced storability and portability of the support stand 310.Alternative embodiments, however, can be stored in three-rings binders,or any other storage device such that the entirety, or a portion, of asupport stand is disposed within the storage device.

While the portion of the second wall third end 338 that extends alongthe second wall second portion 349 has been illustrated as parallel tothe second wall fourth end 340 and the portion of the third wall thirdend 354 that extends along the third wall second portion 365 has beenillustrated as parallel to the third wall fourth end 356, an end of awall along a portion, or the entirety, of a length of the wall, can bedisposed at any suitable angle relative to another end of the wall andselection of a suitable angle can be based on various considerations,including the intended use of the support stand. Examples of anglesconsidered suitable to position an end of a wall along a portion, or theentirety, of a length of the wall relative to another end of the wallinclude angles that are parallel to another end, disposed at an obtuseangle to another end, disposed at an acute angle to another end, and anyother angle considered suitable for a particular embodiment.

Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that variousmodifications and alternatives for the described and illustratedembodiments can be developed in light of the overall teachings of thedisclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed areintended to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of theinvention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claimsand any and all equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A support stand for supporting an element, thesupport stand moveable between a first, assembled configuration, asecond, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration,and comprising: a first wall having a first wall first height; a secondwall attached to the first wall and moveable relative to the first wall,the second wall having a second wall first height and a second wallsecond height, the second wall first height being less than the firstwall first height and the second wall second height being greater thanthe first wall first height; and a third wall attached to the first walland moveable relative to the first wall, the third wall releasablyattachable to the second wall such that the third wall is releasablyattached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first,assembled configuration, the third wall having a third wall first heightand a third wall second height, the third wall first height being lessthan the first wall first height and the third wall second height beinggreater than the first wall first height; wherein the first wall, thesecond wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform forsupporting the position of said element when placed on said supportstand.
 2. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the first wall has afirst wall length, the second wall has a second wall length, and thethird wall has a third wall length; and wherein each of the second walllength and the third wall length is less than the first wall length suchthat the second wall and third wall can be folded relative to the firstwall to position said support stand in said third, folded configuration.3. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the first wall has a first walllength; and wherein the first wall first height extends along a portionof the first wall length that is greater than one half of the first walllength.
 4. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the first wall, thesecond wall, and the third wall are formed of a single continuous pieceof material.
 5. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the second walldefines a slot; wherein the third wall defines a projection that issized and configured to be received in the slot such that the third wallis releasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is insaid first, assembled configuration.
 6. The support stand of claim 1,wherein a first magnet is attached to the second wall; and wherein asecond magnet is attached to the third wall that is sized and configuredto interact with the first magnet such that the third wall is releasablyattached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first,assembled configuration.
 7. The support stand of claim 1, wherein thesecond wall is hingedly attached to the first wall.
 8. The support standof claim 7, wherein the third wall is hingedly attached to the firstwall.
 9. The support stand of claim 1, wherein the second wall includesa non-slip lining along an end of the second wall.
 10. The support standof claim 9, wherein the third wall includes a non-slip lining along anend of the third wall.
 11. The support stand of claim 1, wherein thethird wall is releasably attachable to the second wall in said third,folded configuration using one or more fasteners.
 12. A support standfor supporting an element, the support stand moveable between a first,assembled configuration, a second, disassembled configuration, and athird, folded configuration, and comprising: a first wall having a firstwall first height and a first wall length; a second wall attached to thefirst wall and moveable relative to the first wall, the second wallhaving a second wall first height, a second wall second height, and asecond wall length, the second wall first height being less than thefirst wall first height, the second wall second height being greaterthan the first wall first height, and the second wall length being lessthan the first wall length such that the second wall can be foldedrelative to the first wall to position said support stand in said third,folded configuration; and a third wall attached to the first wall andmoveable relative to the first wall, the third wall releasablyattachable to the second wall such that the third wall is releasablyattached to the second wall when said support stand is in said first,assembled configuration, the third wall having a third wall firstheight, a third wall second height, and a third wall length, the thirdwall first height being less than the first wall first height, the thirdwall second height being greater than the first wall first height, thethird wall length being less than the first wall length such that thethird wall can be folded relative to the first wall to position saidsupport stand in said third, folded configuration; wherein the firstwall, the second wall, and the third wall cooperatively define aplatform for supporting the position of said element when placed on saidsupport stand; and wherein the first wall, the second wall, and thethird wall are formed of a single continuous piece of material.
 13. Thesupport stand of claim 12, wherein the first wall first height extendsalong a portion of the first wall length that is greater than one halfof the first wall length.
 14. The support stand of claim 12, wherein thesecond wall defines a slot; wherein the third wall defines a projectionthat is sized and configured to be received in the slot such that thethird wall is releasably attached to the second wall when said supportstand is in said first, assembled configuration.
 15. The support standof claim 12, wherein a first magnet is attached to the second wall; andwherein a second magnet is attached to the third wall that is sized andconfigured to interact with the first magnet such that the third wall isreleasably attached to the second wall when said support stand is insaid first, assembled configuration.
 16. The support stand of claim 12,wherein the second wall includes a non-slip lining along an end of thesecond wall.
 17. The support stand of claim 16, wherein the third wallincludes a non-slip lining along an end of the third wall.
 18. Thesupport stand of claim 12, wherein the third wall is releasablyattachable to the second wall in said third, folded configuration usingone or more fasteners.
 19. A support stand for supporting an element,the support stand moveable between a first, assembled configuration, asecond, disassembled configuration, and a third, folded configuration,and comprising: a first wall having a first wall first height and afirst wall length, the first wall first height extending along a portionof the first wall length that is greater than one half of the first walllength; a second wall attached to the first wall and moveable relativeto the first wall, the second wall having a second wall first height, asecond wall second height, and a second wall length, the second walldefining a slot, the second wall first height being less than the firstwall first height, the second wall second height being greater than thefirst wall first height, and the second wall length being less than thefirst wall length such that the second wall can be folded relative tothe first wall to position said support stand in said third, foldedconfiguration; and a third wall attached to the first wall and moveablerelative to the first wall, the third wall releasably attachable to thesecond wall such that the third wall is releasably attached to thesecond wall when said support stand is in said first, assembledconfiguration, the third wall having a third wall first height, a thirdwall second height, and a third wall length, the third wall defining aprojection that is sized and configured to be received in the slot suchthat the third wall is releasably attached to the second wall when saidsupport stand is in said first, assembled configuration, the third wallfirst height being less than the first wall first height, the third wallsecond height being greater than the first wall first height, the thirdwall length being less than the first wall length such that the thirdwall can be folded relative to the first wall to position said supportstand in said third, folded configuration; wherein the first wall, thesecond wall, and the third wall cooperatively define a platform forsupporting the position of said element when placed on said supportstand; and wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the third wallare formed of a single continuous piece of material.
 20. The supportstand of claim 19, wherein the third wall is releasably attachable tothe second wall in said third, folded configuration using one or morefasteners.